Spotlight On:  The Citadel Theatre in St. Helens

This video shines a spotlight on a jewel of St. Helens, The Citadel Arts Centre. Nestled in the heart of St. Helens on Waterloo Street, The Citadel Arts Centre stands as a beacon of creativity; housed in a historic Victorian theatre and music hall, which has been a cornerstone of the local cultural scene since its establishment in 1861 and its reopening in 1988.

Originally built as a theatre and music hall, it has seen generations of performers grace its stage. After undergoing significant restoration and reopening in its current form in 1988, The Citadel has continued to serve as a vital hub for the performing arts in St. Helens.

Since June 2022, The Citadel has been under the dynamic leadership of Jamie and his dedicated team. Their collaboration with Liverpool-based company Glasswerk has brought fresh ideas and new energy to the venue. This partnership has enhanced The Citadel’s offerings, ensuring it remains at the forefront of the local arts scene, with a programme designed to cater to a wide array of tastes.

The Citadel host performances from various original bands. One such highlight was the sold-out performance by China Crisis, a testament to the venue’s strong local fan base and its ability to attract top-tier talent.

Gary Daly, China Crisis, said: “We love playing at The Citadel. It’s really important that these smaller venues continue to exist.  The intimate setting and the energy from the crowd make every performance unforgettable. It’s a special place that holds a lot of memories for us. We’re glad to see the doors are still opens and it’s doing great business.”

It’s also well-known for hosting several tribute act performances, giving fans a chance to relive the music of their favourite artists in an intimate and historic setting. It is also a preferred location for warm-up gigs by well-known bands. This unique role further cements its status as a key hub for live music and performing arts in the region.

To learn more about the Citadel Theatre and see what gigs are coming up, visit their website: https://liveatcitadel.co.uk/